As a cat owner, we are all guilty of wanting to spoil our furkids with treats, and we may end up giving too many treats daily. This results in the loss of the whole purpose of treating, which is to reward.
So now you may be thinking, “What?? I can’t give my cat treats just for being cute?? So then, when should I give my cat treats?”
1. Treat to Train
Treats can be a powerful tool for training your cat. Whether you're teaching them to use the litter box, respond to commands, or even perform tricks such as “give paw”, treats serve as a positive reinforcement. When your cat successfully follows a command or behaves appropriately, giving them a treat can help reinforce that behaviour, making them more likely to repeat it.
Do not be disheartened if you can’t train your cat though, cats always have a mind of their own and serve no one!
2. Reward Good Behavior (Pawsitive Reinforcement)
Rewarding good behavior with treats can encourage your cat to continue to repeat the desired behaviour. This is especially useful during cat integration, making them identify behaving while in the presence of the other day, as they are anticipating a treat. "If I behave and don’t smack him, I get a treat!"
Repetition & consistency is key, keep the rewards coming!
3. To Mask Medication
Administering medication to cats can be challenging. You can hide the medication in a special treat designed for this purpose such as a pill pocket, or mask in tuna paste. However, the most effective way to give medication to a cat is to directly pill pop. You can use a pill popper and give them a treat thereafter to reward them for taking their medication.
P.S: If you have to hide it in the food, never give it with a whole can, but rather with 1 tablespoon of food. When they are hungry, they may fall for the trick.
4. For Mental and Physical Stimulation
Cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Interactive toys that dispense treats or food puzzles can keep your cat engaged and active. These toys challenge your cat to work for their treat, providing both exercise and mental stimulation.
Rotate toys and treat dispensers regularly to keep your cat interested and stimulated.
5. Bonding Experience
Giving treats is a way to show affection and spend quality time together. You can give treats to encourage your cat to tolerate physical affection, sitting in the same space with you or even while brushing him.
6. To Reduce Stress and Keep Calm
Cats can get stressed due to various reasons such as moving to a new home, being in a carrier for a vet visit, or loud noises such as fireworks. Offering a treat during these times can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy.
Tips:
You can break up a treat into several pieces to prevent overeating and weight gain.
You can use healthier alternatives such as freeze dried treats or dental treats.
You can rotate between several treats that your cat may consider “high value”.
Any positive reinforcement have to be followed through within 1-3 seconds of the desired behaviour for them to be able to link it.
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